DIAGNOSTIC WORKSHEET #1:

BASELINE READING SPEED & COMPREHENSION QUIZ

In this worksheet, we are going to test your baseline reading speed and comprehension so that we can
determine how much improvement is being made throughout the course.

Instructions:​ Read the text on the following page at the fastest speed you can, while
attempting to remember and store at least 80% of the pertinent details. It’s not necessary
to print this document; reading on screen is fine. If you prefer to print it out and read on
paper, please make sure to use 8.5x14” legal format paper.

Use a timer​, starting and stopping at the indicated points, to measure your speed. A guide
on the following page will help you convert your speed to the standardized Words Per
Minute (“WPM”) metric we use throughout the course.

Once you’ve completed reading the selection, you will be asked a series of questions that
test your understanding and retention of the material.

Mark your speed and retention scores on the Progress & Goals Worksheet which you’ve
printed out and posted in a visible area.

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 --START YOUR TIMER--
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of
Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the
United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces
of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the
solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking
toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air
squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese
ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a
formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed
useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of
war or of armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the
attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening
time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by
false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on
the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I
regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American
ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and
Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked
Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the
Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway
Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the
Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the
United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to
the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I
have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation
remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to
overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will
win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the
people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make
it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist.
There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are
in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination
of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God. I ask that the
Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday,
December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the
Japanese empire.
--STOP YOUR TIMER--

CALCULATE YOUR READING SPEED

1. Time 2. Convert to 3. Divide by 60 4. Divide 520 by = WPM

(MM:SS) seconds (60s/m) to get minutes your time in minutes

= 178

​⤴ Record this number on the Progress & Goals Worksheet

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 COMPREHENSION QUIZ

1. What day was the speech delivered?

a. December 7, 1941
b. December 1, 1941
c. December 8, 1941
d. December 9, 1941

2. The Japanese failed to reply to the message sent by the United States.
a. True
b. False

3. Which of the following had not been attacked by Japanese Forces at the time of
the speech?
a. Hong Kong
b. Guam
c. Wake Island
d. Midway Island
e. Marshall Islands
f. Oahu
g. Philippine Islands

4. In addition to the land attacks, US ships between San Francisco and Honolulu
were targeted in which type of attacks?
a. Kamikaze
b. Fire bombing
c. Torpedo
d. Cannon

5. The speaker is delivering his speech in his capacity as:

a. Commander of the Navy
b. The President of the United States
c. The Secretary of Defense
d. The Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy

6. The speaker describes the acts of the Japanese forces as “unspeakable.”

a. True
b. False

7. Which phrase does the speaker not mention in his speech?

a. Japanese Ambassador
b. Secretary of State
c. Pearl Harbor
d. Mr. Vice President
e. Malaya

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 QUIZ ANSWERS

1. (C) December 8, 1941

2. (B) False
3. (E) Marshall Islands
4. (C) Torpedo
5. (D) The Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy
6. (B) False
7. (C) Pearl Harbor

CALCULATE YOUR COMPREHENSION & RETENTION

1. Total Correct Answers 2. Divide by 7 = Comprehension Percentage

Score

= 71%

Record this score on the Progress & Goals Worksheet

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